The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host an array of events as part of its annual Diversity Week from Monday, March 25, to Friday, March 29.
The events include returning favorites such as the Human Library and Safe Zone trainings, as well as new programs like Latinx Trivia and an exploration of diversity in video games.
This year’s Diversity Week events include:
Monday, March 25
Lunch and Learn: What to Say (and What Not To Say) When a Student Comes Out, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., DSC Meeting Room D
A presentation by Dr. Greg Robinson, associate professor of audiology and speech pathology, about how to support and advocate for students when they come out.
Safe Zone Training, 1-5 p.m.
Talking Black in America, 5:30-7 p.m., Ottenheimer Library Room 535
The creativity and resilience of people living through oppression, segregation, the fight for equality, and the powerful identity forged by a shared heritage are all expressed in the ways African Americans communicate. Talking Black in America chronicles the incredible impact of African-American English on American language and culture. Filmed across the United States, this documentary is a revelation of language as legacy, identity, and triumph over adversity.
Tuesday, March 26
Lunch and Learn: Before and Beyond Black Panther, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Student Services Center auditorium
A discussion with a panel of experts who share insight on the evolution of race, gender, and sexuality in comics.
Diversity and Inclusion in Little Rock Nonprofits, 1-2 p.m., Ottenheimer Library Room 535
In this conversation, nonprofit professionals will share their experience encouraging and developing diversity in their work. The panel will address a series of questions about the challenges they face and how these professionals tackle the topics of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in Little Rock. Q&A to follow.
Human Library, 2:30-4:30 p.m., DSC Ledbetter B and C
Back by popular demand, The Human Library is designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. The Human Library is a place where real people are on loan to readers and difficult questions are expected, appreciated, and answered.
Abolish Private Prisons, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Bowen School of Law, Friday Courtroom
Join an expert panel led by Andre Cummings, associate professor of law, discussing the private prison system and its impact on the community.
Becoming American: Promise and Prejudice, 5:30 p.m., Ottenheimer Library Room 535
This powerful documentary takes an in-depth look at Shelbyville, a small Tennessee town in the heart of the Bible Belt, as it grapples with discrimination in the face of changing demographics. Dr. Brian Mitchell, assistant professor of history, will moderate a discussion following the screening.
Wednesday, March 27
Safe Zone Training, 8 a.m. – Noon, Ottenheimer Library Room 535
Anderson Institute Plain Talk on Race Series, Noon, Anderson Institute
Join us for a talk by Dr. John Kirk, Donaghey Distinguished Professor of History and director of the Anderson Institute on Race and Ethnicity, detailing the civil rights movement and diversity.
Latinx Trivia, 3 p.m., DSC Ledbetter C
Test your deductive reasoning skills and learn about Hispanic/Latino culture in the U.S. through trivia. Previous knowledge is helpful, but not required. Compete on your own, bring a team, or join one at the event. Prizes for top teams.
Thursday, March 28
World Music and Food Festival, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Library Courtyard
The Division of Student Affairs will host the World Music and Food Festival. Come out to listen to music and enjoy food and activities from around the world.
Rumble: The Indians who Rocked the World, 4-6 p.m., Ottenheimer Library Room 535
This award-winning documentary premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and explores the Native American roots of musicians from the early pioneers of blues and jazz through the folk-rock era of the 1960s and ’70s. Legends like Buffy Sainte-Marie, Robbie Robertson, and Jimi Hendrix are among the musicians featured. After the screening, a short Q&A session will follow.
Immigration Panel – Off the Border: Immigration Issues that affect Arkansans, 6-8 p.m., Bowen Law School, Friday Courtroom
Experts on immigration will provide insight to the challenges we face as a state with regard to immigration law and related issues.
Friday, March 29
Safe Zone Ally Training for Students, 9-11 a.m.
Women’s History Month Leader’s Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., DSC Ledbetter A
In honor of Women’s History Month, come out to learn from a group of successful women leaders over lunch. RSVP required. Visit ualr.edu/diversity to RSVP.
Game On! Exploring Diversity in Video Games, 2-4 p.m., Stabler Hall 603
Inclusive Gaming is a new group on campus that provides a safe space for diverse students, faculty, staff, and community members to explore video games. Members of Inclusive Gaming will be on hand to showcase and discuss video games where issues of diversity are prominent. People who attend will be able to learn more about representation and diversity in video games, and get to play some games too!
For more information about Diversity Week and any of the events listed above, contact Mia Phillips at mdphillips@ualr.edu.